§ MR. LANE (Cork County, E.)asked the Solicitor General for Ireland for what purpose a large body of extra police were marched into the town of Youghal on Friday the 8th instant; whether a similar force of extra police was sent there on the 8th March 1888; whether, when a similar force of extra police was marched into the town on the 8th March 1887, a riot took place, in which a civilian was killed by the police; and, whether in future steps 1638 would be taken to prevent the exasperation of the people?
§ MR. MADDENThe Constabulary authorities report that an extra force of police was drafted into Youghal in 1888, and again in 1889, with a view to preventing a demonstration which there was reason to believe it was contemplated holding to commemorate the anniversary of the death of a civilian during the riot referred to in the third paragraph of the question. The authorities were of opinion that the holding of such a demonstration might lead to serious public disturbance, and possibly loss of life.
§ MR. LANEUpon what grounds did the authorities anticipate such a demonstration when there had been no placard or advertisement issued in connection with it? As far as I am informed there never was any intention of holding a demonstration.
§ * MR. MADDENThe authorities acted upon the information before them. It is not customary, in drafting police into a town where a disturbance is apprehended, to notify the fact by advertisements or placards.
§ MR. SEXTONDid the authorities act on sworn information? If so, will the hon. Gentleman let me have a copy of it?
§ * MR. MADDENThe right hon. Member must give notice of that question.